Everblades Open Road Trip with 4-2 Loss to Admirals

Game Recap by Robert Molnar

NORFOLK, VA – Scott Allen scored a goal while also adding an assist to lead the Norfolk Admirals (21-27-2-1, 45 pts) to a 4-2 victory over the Florida Everblades (33-15-0-1, 67 pts) Wednesday night at the Norfolk Scope.

The Admirals scored the game’s opening goal at the 4:16 mark of the first period. Moving the puck into the attacking zone, Scott Allen went alone, scoring his thirteenth goal of the season unassisted to give the Admirals an early 1-0 lead.

Norfolk added to their lead midway through the first period, taking advantage of a turnover in the Everblades zone. Pressuring the ‘Blades in their own zone, Nick MacNeil forced a turnover off a poke check, sending the puck toward the slot area. Picking up the puck, Greg Chase snapped a shot past Everblades goaltender Daniel Altshuller.

The Everblades got on the board late in the first period, scoring a power play goal at the 17:32 mark of the opening period. Beginning to up the pressure in the Norfolk zone, defenseman Kevin Montgomery cut the Norfolk lead in half, firing a shot past Admirals’ goaltender Nic Riopel to make the score 2-1.

Continuing to fight back, the Everblades began to up the pressure on the Admirals late in the second period. Finally, at the 16:30 mark of the period, the ‘Blades found a way to tie the game. Fighting his way down the left wing side, Brendan O’Donnell wristed a low shot through the five hole of Nic Riopel and into the back of the net.

The tie would not last long. With under a minute remaining in the middle frame, Norfolk broke into the attacking zone. Cole Martin fired a shot towards the Everblades net. Screening Daniel Altshuller, Braden Christoffer managed to tip the puck past the Everblades goaltender to once again give the Admirals a one goal lead.

Norfolk earned their second two goal lead of the game off a power play midway through the third period. A shot fired by from the blue line would be tipped through the legs of Daniel Altshuller and off the post. Unfortunately for the ‘Blades, the rebound off the post would fall right to the stick of Steven Whitney. The former ‘Blades forward banged the puck into the open net, giving the Admirals a 4-2 lead.

Nic Riopel earns the win in goal for the Admirals, stopping 29 of the 31-shots he faced. The returning Daniel Altshuller takes the loss in goal for the Everblades, allowing four goals on the 27–shots he faced.

The Florida Everblades will once again take on the Norfolk Admirals this Friday night at the Norfolk Scope. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on 770 AM or online by CLICKING HERE

Upcoming Everblades Home Games

Wednesday, February 24, vs. South Carolina, 7:30 p.m.   $2 hot dogs, $2 draft beers, $2 wines all night long! College Students receive a $5 ticket with FREE parking when they present their College ID at Germain Arena!

Saturday, February 27, vs. South Carolina, 7:00 p.m.   Pink in the Rink  presented by Radiology Regional. The Everblades will wear special jerseys which will be auctioned off following the game to benefit local cancer charities!  Pregame tailgate featuring live music, bounces houses and face painting for the kids.

Sunday, February 28, vs. South Carolina, 5:00 p.m.  

Ticket Information

Game Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.

Partial Season Ticket Packages:  Flexible partial season ticket plans are available to help fit your budget and schedule. For more information, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the team's main office located at Germain Arena from Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Fans may also stop by our sales tables located in the concourse at Everblades games. .

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliateof the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes###